3 Ways to Build a Clientele – In The Spa and Esthetic Industry

Feels like it was yesterday. Looking at my bookings, dreading every day that was empty. Wishing and praying that ladies would flock to me. How can I build my clientele??!! When will this all be worth it?

You may have many of these thoughts while you are waiting, day after day, for your clients to magically walk through the door.

I would like to share with you the 3 key ways that I built my clientele.

Practice:

This may seem redundant, but the old trick of practice, practice, practice, really is the first place you need to start.

Fine tune those skills. Whether it is in nails, waxing, facials, lashes, makeup or hair, we are not going to be perfect the first go around. Ask your friends or family if they can be a guinea pig. My mom absolutely loved when I started out in this industry! I was always asking her to come to the spa so I could practice my training on her. When you are honest and say that you are just learning, surprisingly, people are far more patient with their results. And often they are getting a deal if not free all together.

When first starting out it is important to realize that you may need to give away a few freebies before the money starts rolling in. I would also consider choosing the girl with the gift for gab. Someone who will immediately go out and start telling her girlfriends that she just got these wonderful services done.

Or offer a trade with the girl that goes wild on social media. Offer her free services for a month, if in return, she posts regularly on her social about them and tags you!! This is a great way to get a good buzz going.

How To Keep Them Coming Back:

Hopefully at this stage you have managed to snag the interest of a few girls from your endless hours practicing and promoting yourself. So once you get them in the door, how do you make sure they return?

Quality is key! I remember when I was doing my apprenticeship for hairdressing, my boss/mentor would tell me that if I make a mistake and cut a section of the hair too short, I need to finish the “new” haircut at this length. Even if that is not the cut they wanted, at least it is technically sound. They can’t say you gave them a shitty haircut, it just wasn’t what they necessarily wanted 😉

So take your time, do a good job, be a perfectionist! They will notice. They would much rather quality over a quick, rushed hack job. Trust me. Your timing will improve as your skill does. So keep at it.

Personality is important. One of the greatest compliments I get is that I am easy to talk to. I ask questions about their family, job and hobbies. And when they return I follow up! How was that job interview? Is your dad feeling any better? How are your kids?

It is about them first! Make them feel comfortable like they are in a safe place. People joke that we are often treated as therapists, but that just comes with the territory. If you genuinely don’t want to hear about others trials and triumphs, you may be in the wrong industry. Being a people person will get you very far in this career.

Social Media:

Now, truthfully this tactic wasn’t around when I was building my clientele. But it is a major key that must not go unmentioned.

I hope that most of you are comfortable with social media. Hopefully you have a Facebook, Instagram and a Pinterest page. If you haven’t started a separate business page on Facebook for your skills yet, I highly recommend it. This will also help you keep track of stats and possibly post to two aps at once. Since FB now owns Instagram.

Instagram and Facebook both have “stories” now, where we can share our work in real time! Spreading FOMO to all your future clients across the globe! My advice is to take advantage of this feature. Post regularly to keep the buzz going. And hey, every once in a while it might be worth “boosting” your page. For a small amount of money, as little as $3, you can advertise on Facebook and Instagram. You can choose the demographic, city, town or country to promote your work. This can attract a lot of potential new clients in a hurry.

Post regularly, engage with your people and keep things fresh! This will build a beautiful buzz around your name and your business.

Conclusion:

Working in the spa and esthetic industry? Follow these 3 ways to build your clientele and I assure you, you will be seeing more and more return clients.

But be patient with yourself. This won’t happen overnight. Typically, it takes the average esthetician one year to build that steady return of clients.

Using these tips will definitely bring them to you quicker.

Be Genuine

Be Driven

Be a Perfectionist

Let’s face it, if we use these three keys in any area of our life we will see an improvement.

Oh! And don’t give up!! If this is truly something you are passionate about, follow that passion. So many people go to jobs daily, that provide them no passion at all. You deserve this career and these opportunities so please, do not sell yourself short! You can do it! I believe in you! xo

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this today. If you have any questions or comments please leave them below and I will be sure to get back to you ASAP.